[Pairadocs]

Need experiences/advice. Have a couple keys not working on laptop keyboard. Three year old 17" inch display with quite a few extras, so not a $400 laptop. Removed key cap, no dirt visible (I do use duster regularly to keep clean). Has anyone ever had two or three non working keys fixed ? Where ? Is it cost effective or should I just replace the laptop (usually I get 5 years out of one, sometimes more before they are so outdated they can't be upgraded. Advice from those who have encountered this ?

[Arctic Fox]

Have you tried blowing out any hidden dirt/dust with small can of compressed air?

You might find that keyboard is "composite" rather than being able to replace individual keys. I lost the use of two notepads that way.

[retiredguy123]

I would take it to either Gizmo Depot or MMD. Both are on Rt 441 in Lady Lake just north of Oakwood BBQ.

[JohnN]

I've not ever had good luck on this type of thing. I had a display issue and took it to MMD, $100 later, I still had it. Good luck.

[Bill14564]

I've used YouTube videos before to disassemble and reassemble a couple of laptops. You might be able to get a replacement keyboard.

Unlikely, but maybe once it is apart you will see something to correct.

Would a Bluetooth keyboard be a cost-effective option?

[N44125]

I’ve had great service from ubreakifix, located in Southern Trace next to the dry cleaners and Darrell’s Diner. Honest, fair priced, etc. They give you an estimate before they start to fix it.

[John_W]

I never can stand those small keyboards and the finger pads on a laptop. I've had 3 laptops and always use a separate keyboard and mouse. My latest is only a 15" Chromebook, I had a 17" before that, but they are getting harder to find in the stores and are at least $500 or more.

Wireless keyboard & mouse in stock at Best Buy $20.



Best Buy Keyboard & Mouse

In stock at Best Buy for $50, in fact I'm typing on this right now and using the mouse.


Best Buy Keyboard & Mouse

[kathyspear]

Do you move the laptop around the house and/or travel with it? If not, I would do as John W suggests and get a bluetooth keyboard. I would also buy a nice large monitor. They are amazingly affordable these days. Personally, we like ViewSonic.

Amazon.com

Good luck.

kathy

[bowlingal]

go to Jacobs Computer on 301 in Wildwood. Much cheaper than UbreakIfix.

[J1ceasar]

If the keys are removable individually suggest you try that even with Air being blown it's amazing how many crumbs and do dads get stuck. If not like others have said go on YouTube and see how easy it is to disassemble and get a new membrane very cheap and easy enough to do yourself usually. Otherwise it's a computer works borrow a keyboard and make sure it's nothing to do with the computer itself before spending money at a repair place

[cherylncliff]

A usb keyboard could work or a bluetooth keyboard.

[bd20166]

Jacobs Computers in Wildwood on 301. Agree with bowlingal.

[photo1902]

Originally Posted by Pairadocs

Need experiences/advice. Have a couple keys not working on laptop keyboard. Three year old 17" inch display with quite a few extras, so not a $400 laptop. Removed key cap, no dirt visible (I do use duster regularly to keep clean). Has anyone ever had two or three non working keys fixed ? Where ? Is it cost effective or should I just replace the laptop (usually I get 5 years out of one, sometimes more before they are so outdated they can't be upgraded. Advice from those who have encountered this ?

I agree with the UbreakIfix option, if you’re not comfortable tackling this repair on your own. Doesn’t make any sense to me in buying an external keyboard, as it defeats the purpose of having a laptop vs desktop.

[oneclickplus]

Originally Posted by Pairadocs

Need experiences/advice. Have a couple keys not working on laptop keyboard. Three year old 17" inch display with quite a few extras, so not a $400 laptop. Removed key cap, no dirt visible (I do use duster regularly to keep clean). Has anyone ever had two or three non working keys fixed ? Where ? Is it cost effective or should I just replace the laptop (usually I get 5 years out of one, sometimes more before they are so outdated they can't be upgraded. Advice from those who have encountered this ?

Of course, you can use an external keyboard / mouse as some have suggested here. However, replacing a laptop keyboard is not rocket science and that is the solution to keys not working. Attempts to fix individual keys rarely works. It's usually the keyboard electronics and not the key itself. Send me make / model in a private msg and I'll be happy to point you in the right direction.

Bill (Computer Guy)

[rlcooper70]

I replaced the keyboard on my 2012 Macbook. No issues since.